Deck the halls! Hang the lights! It is holiday time in Fort Worth and in true Cowtown style – it’s going to be BIG! Here are just SOME of the family-friendly events going on around town!
Twinkling Lights of Cowtown
Tree Lighting (Downtown Fort Worth), Saturday, November 22 | 4-7pm – Lights, Cameras, Christmas! Mark the beginning of the holiday season by attending the annual lighting of the Sundance Square Christmas Tree in the new, captivating Sundance Square Plaza. Gaze at the grand 55-foot blue spruce in all its glittering beauty. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas and complete your visit with a memorable photograph with Santa Claus himself.
Annual Tree Lighting (Southlake Town Center), Saturday, November 22 | 5:30-8:30pm – Gather together to witness Home for the Holidays Annual Tree Lighting. Santa Claus will flip the switch to illuminate a towering tree with thousands of lights. Discover the holiday magic at every turn— Christmas carols, letters to Santa, smiles from old St. Nick himself, free carriage rides and holiday refreshments. Get a head start on your holiday shopping. Find ways to give back to your community. Spend precious moments with loved ones.
Carol of Lights (Grapevine), November 24 | 7pm – The city will be illuminated with more than one million lights along Main Street in Historic Downtown Grapevine. Guests will enjoy musical performances and hot chocolate will be available. This event is free.
Light Show Spectacular (Grapevine), November 24 – December 31 | 6-11pm – See twinkling lights each and every night! This brilliantly-choreographed show runs continuously nightly starting November 26. Sing along with the city’s Christmas tree, enjoy the lights and see the joy on the faces of everyone in the family as you watch this show at the Town Square Gazebo. This event is free.
Gift of Lights (Texas Motor Speedway), November 26 – January 1 | 6-10pm – Gift of Lights is back and the fun is bigger, better and brighter than ever before. Get the entire family into the Christmas spirit by heading to the Texas Motor Speedway and see more than 600 unique displays in bright LED lights. This year they are a Toys for Tots drop off location and if you bring a donation, you will receive a $5.00 discount at the gate!
Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie), November 27 – January 4| 6-9pm – Prairie Lights is the state’s premier holiday drive-through park featuring more than 4 million lights along the shores of beautiful Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake. Visitors will be amazed by the world’s longest light tunnel and the Holiday Village out-of-car experiences that will make this Christmas season one to remember! This year there is an all new Indoor Holiday Laser Show to also experience.
Parade of Lights (Fort Worth), Friday, November 28 | 2pm – 10pm – The 32nd annual Chesapeake Energy Parade of Lights, in downtown Fort Worth, will have over 100 highly illuminated entries and will kick the Holiday Season off in style. Holiday Fun Zone for the kids, arts & crafts, food, and entertainment. Parade begins at 6pm and Santa starts his trek to the lighting of the tree at 7pm but come early to enjoy fun downtown and get yourself great seats.
Parade of Lights (Grapevine), Thursday, December 4 | 7pm – Bring the entire family to the Parade of Lights, the largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas. This Grapevine tradition features more than 100 lighted floats and marching bands. Look for Santa Claus on the last float! Come early to claim your spot along Historic Main Street to watch this exciting holiday event. This event is free.
Twinkle Light Boat Parade (Grapevine), December 6 | 6-9pm – This floating festival begins at Twin Coves Marina and picks up entries at each marina including Scott’s Landing and Silver Lake. The parade is visible from the shores of Lake Grapevine and the Glass Cactus Nightclub at Gaylord Texan Resort. This event is free.
Holiday Lights Parade (Arlington), Saturday, December 6 | 4-7 pm – Bring your friends and family to the Downtown/University District to enjoy the Annual Holiday Lights Parade. Thousands of people will gather for the pageantry which ends with the lighting of the Christmas tree on the steps of City Hall. Don’t forget to bring your camera and take a picture with Santa after the parade at the new Levitt Pavilion in Founders Plaza at 100 W. Abram St.
Festive and Family-Friendly
Gaylord Texan Lone Star Christmas (Grapevine), November 13 – January 3 – Don’t wait a moment longer to plan your excursion to Gaylord Texan Resort! With 1.5 million twinkling lights, 15,000 ornaments, an amazing 54-foot-tall rotating Christmas tree, and MORE – FREE.
ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman (Gaylord Texan), November 13 – January 3 – Join Frosty, everyone’s favorite snowman, and his friends on their quest to the North Pole in a colorfully frozen retelling of this original Christmas classic! Favorite scenes come to life in more than TWO MILLION pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures featuring Frosty the Snowman, including two-story tall ice slides.
Santa’s Wild Workshop Snow Tubing (Gaylord Texan – Grapevine), November 13 – January 3 – It’s going to SNOW for a fifth year in a row at Gaylord Texan, but this year the experience will feature even more fun! We’ve added four more lanes (now 12 total!) to the extreme tubing experience and present an all-new theme! Double riding tubes are available for parents with small children.
Santa’s Wonderland (Bass Pro Shop – Grapevine), November 15 – December 24 – FREE FREE FREEE. Photos with Santa, Crafts, Games, Carousel, Holiday Funland!
Panther Ice Skating Rink (Same grounds as the Coyote Drive In, Fort Worth), November 21 – January 19 | varies – Boasting an even bigger outdoor ice rink this season, Panther Island Ice offers public skating, seasonal music and family fun for all ages.Panther Island Ice will offer public skating, Santa Claus appearances, seasonal music and fun for all ages. Come out this season and make ice skating a new holiday tradition!
Polar Express (Fort Worth Museum Science & History), November 22 – December 23 – All Aboard! THE POLAR EXPRESS: AN IMAX EXPERIENCE will once again delight children and adults when it returns for the holidays to the Omni Theater. The Omni Theater will offer the only domed IMAX presentation in the Southwest of this now-classic family favorite. Some special showing will be pajama parties offering extra events and hot chocolate for all.
Christkindl Market (Arlington), November 28 – December 21 – Christkindl Market (kris-kin-dill) is an enchanting family market in the tradition of markets held throughout Germany during the Holiday season. Featuring authentic German cuisine, beverages, entertainment, arts, crafts and holiday gifts. Admission and Parking are FREE.
North Pole Express (Grapevine), November 28 – December 23 – Your experience with a ride on the beautifully decorated coaches where you are greeted by elves, minstrels and carolers. Enjoy live entertainment and the reading of a Christmas story where every child will receive a “We Believe” Silver Santa Bell. Upon returning to the train depot, you will help go in search of Santa through a Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree Maze ending at the North Pole were Santa’s elves continue to entertain until Santa greets the audience. All children receive a memory mug full of hot chocolate and everyone gets a voucher for a Family Photo with him at the North Pole General Store. You can go get it right then or come back anytime during the week between noon and 7 p.m. Limit one per family.
Holiday in the Park (Six Flags), November 28 – December 30 - Everything you need to get into the holiday spirit can be found at Six Flags Over Texas during Holiday in the Park. From more than a million twinkling lights, holiday shows, toasty campfires, delicious hot cocoa, and roller coasters, to the nearly 60 foot Holiday Tree of Trees, Santa Land and of course Santa Claus. Special moments and thrills await you at North Texas’ largest holiday festival.
Holiday Mission with the Octonauts(SEA LIFE Grapevine), November 29 – December 21 – Dive into the holidays with the Octonauts, the team of undersea adventure heroes from the hit animated TV show. Young fans will embark on an exciting mission with special holiday activities and fun-filled events, plus get the chance to meet Captain Barnacles and Kwazii(weekends only).
Great Wolf Lodge Snowland (Grapevine), November 29 – January 4 – Explore our enchanted winter wonderland during Snowland where you and your family can soak in the holiday spirit, splash in the 84-degree water park and enjoy the most special gift of all – uninterrupted time together! From snow showers and twinkling lights in the Grand Lobby to gingerbread houses and enormous snowflakes, discover the magical world of Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge.
Holiday Bricktacular (LEGOLAND Discovery Center – Grapevine), December 1 – 25 (times and events vary) – Search for Santa in a scavenger hunt through MINILAND. Your bound to find an old St. Nick, as there are hundreds of LEGO Santas hidden throughout the 1.5 million LEGO bricks. Write and mail letters to Santa. Enjoy complimentary milk and cookies (while supplies last, Sundays in December only). Help construct an enchanting winter wonderland village and compete in festive build challenges to win an annual pass.
Holly Days (Keller), December 5 | 6-9pm – Come join the holiday spirit at Keller Town Center. Enjoy The Very Merry Light Parade, lighting of the Christmas tree, Santa’s arrival, stage entertainment, a two-lane snow hill, arts and crafts, bounce houses, a trackless train, concessions and activities at the Jingle Bell Zone and a great fireworks show at 9pm.
Christmas Tyme in Aledo (Aledo), Saturday, December 6 | 10am – 8pm – The Community is very excited to end the year-long golden anniversary with the 14th Annual Christmas Tyme in Aledo and the 37th Annual Arts & Craft Fair (Aledo Community Center). Other fun activities include listening and singing along with the Christmas Carolers, Petting zoo, LIVE holiday longhorns, LIVE Nativity scene, Wagon Rides, Train Rides, Animated Window Displays, Cookie Decorating, Outdoor Theatre, Roasting Marshmallows, Dancing and live performances, and that’s not all! Santa will arrive at the Community Center at 6:00 p.m. via an Aledo Fire Truck for the Christmas Tree Lighting and then pictures with Santa.
Jingle Bells for Cancer Cells (Sundance Square), December 6 | 4-7pm – HMC Presents will host the annual Jingle Bells For Cancer Cells in the Sundance Plaza in downtown Fort Worth. Jingle Bells for Cancer Cells will be an outdoor family event filled with concerts by various performers, a Holiday sing-along, food and more! Jingle Bells for Cancer Cells will benefit three different non-profit agencies that effect all of us in some way on a daily basis: Children’s Tumor Foundation – Ending Neurofibromatosis through Research (CTF), Basal Cell Carcinoma Nevus Syndrome (BCCNS), and Methodist Justice Ministry (Protecting women and children from abuse and violence).
Christmas in the Fort Worth Stockyards, December 6 | 11:30am-4:30pm – The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District at Stockyards Station will host its annual Christmas in the Stockyards event on Saturday, December 6th from noon to 5 p.m. The event will be on the lawn of the Historical Livestock Exchange Building, inside Stockyards Station and along East Exchange Avenue. This is a FREE holiday event centered on western heritage activities that the entire family can enjoy.
Old Fashioned Downtown Christmas Event & Parade (Roanoke), December 6 | 5-9pm – Holiday concerts, caroling, carriage rides, free treats from Oak Street businesses, storyteller and more. The Parade will begin at 6pm, so find your seat along Roanoke Road!
Birds’ Christmas Tree (Fort Worth Botanic Garden), December 6 | 11-12:00 pm – Share your holiday gift giving with our feathered friends! Children of all ages are invited to make biodegradable bird treats ahead of time and bring them to the event to hang in the Garden’s Grove, providing food for wildlife and a little holiday cheer! This free event, complete with music and entertainment, is one of Fort Worth’s oldest holiday traditions. Parking is behind Montgomery Street Antique Mall along the I-30 access road. This lot is a short walk to the grove site area.
Dickens of a Holiday (Central Library – Downtown FW), December 14 | 1-4pm – Celebrate the holiday spirit with an afternoon of holiday-themed programs and entertainment for the entire family featuring carriage rides, music, crafts, story times and free photos with a live reindeer. It’s a perfect event to make your family feel jolly and merry!
Christmas Tree Farms
Mainstay Farms (Cleburne), Nov. 23 – Nov. 30 and weekends in December – Mainstay Farm has fresh Fraser Fir in the Big Barn up to size 10-1/2 feet. All farm amusements (pedal karts, 3 story tree house, mini-train, hayrides, mazes, and more) and food service will be operating. Entry is free.
Haynie’s Green Acres Christmas Tree Farms (Crowley), Nov. 28 and all of December (including weekday hours)- Hay rides, gift shop, picnic area, petting zoo or animals, refreshments, specialized flocking available, playground area.
4D Farm Christmas Trees (Weatherford),weekends Nov. 29 – Dec. 21 – Choose from several varieties and cut down your own holiday tree. Hop on a holiday hayride or sit back and relax in our heated Country Store with cookies and cider!
Merry Performances
Sanders Family Christmas, a musical (Artisan Center Theater – Hurst), November 20 – December 20 – Sanders Family Christmas is the sequel to Connie Ray and Alan Bailey’s wildly successful bluegrass gospel musical Smoke on the Mountain. It’s December 24, 1941, and America is going to war. So is Dennis Sanders of the Sanders Family Singers. Join Pastor Mervin Oglethorpe and the rest of the Sanders Family as they send Dennis off with hilarious and touching stories and twenty-five Southern Gospel Christmas favorites.
Twas the Night Before Christmas (Artisan Center Theater – Hurst), November 22 – December 20 – “Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse…” Everyone knows this Christmas Holiday Classic by heart! But did you know the mouse’s name was Izzy, shut out of his snug home on Christmas Eve? Be part of Izzy’s great adventure to the North Pole where he meets Santa’s Elves, Rosie the Reindeer and comes face to face with the Abominable Snowman! Izzy and Rosie save the day, helping Santa and his Reindeer deliver the goodies just in time for Christmas morning! Packed with laughs and audience participation, this fun show ends with a lump in your throat and everyone reciting Clement Moore’s famous poem!
Here Come Santa Claus (Casa Mañana), November 28 – December 23 – It’s time for the holidays, but Simon isn’t feeling so cheerful. It’s another Christmas watching his friends receive toys and presents, while the space under his tree remains empty. With the help of elves and a little bit of magic and cheer, will Simon find the true spirit of Christmas? Here Comes Santa Claus continues the time-honored tradition of spending the holiday season with Casa. Part of the Children’s series, this show is show is suitable for all audiences.
Home for the Holidays (Bass Hall), November 29- 30 – It’s a holly jolly Christmas with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Boys Choir and the Southwestern Seminary Master Chorale!
Musicals, Movies and Magical Moments at the Palace Theatre (Grapevine), December 1-23 – From country to classic Christmas, Grapevine is the place to be for all your holiday entertainment. Set in the beautifully restored Palace Theatre in historic Downtown Grapevine, you’ll delight at all of the spectacular Christmas music and movie offerings.
Messiah (Bass Hall), December 2 – Don’t miss the holiday classic Messiah, performed by Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Southwestern Seminary Master Chorale. The thrilling choruses alternating with soaring solos and triumphant orchestration make Handel’s Messiah a joyful and powerful beginning to your winter celebration!
Christmas with the von Trapps (Bass Hall), December 4 – Made famous by the Academy-Award winning 1965 film The Sound of Music,the von Trapp Family Singers – great-grandchildren of Maria and the Captain – return to Fort Worth with a Christmas concert for the entire family. Enjoy this one-night-only performance of seasonal American and Austrian songs and let the sound of music fill your holiday!
Rudolph the red-nosed Reindeer (Bass Hall), Dec. 5 – 7 - In 1964, the beloved stop-motion animated television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, made its network television debut, delighting audiences across the country. Fifty years later, the longest running and highest rated television special comes to life, live on stage with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, featuring the world’s most famous reindeer and a holly-jolly cast of iconic characters. Come see Rudolph and friends, including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster, help Santa save Christmas this holiday season!
Twas the Night Before Christmas (CATS – Arlington), December 5-20 – Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. But wait! A mouse is stirring – because Santa missed his house last year. Before you can say “Merry Christmas!” we’re off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who just won’t take no for an answer. Don’t miss this joyful tribute to the holiday season! Perfect for the whole family to ring in the holidays with CATS!
North Central Ballet – The Nutcracker (Will RogersMemorial Auditorium), December 6 & 7 – The Nutcracker 22nd Anniversary Season. North Central Ballet prides itself on inspiring performaces and is committed to providing the finest dance lessons available in the Northeast Tarrant County Area.
Texas Ballet Theater – The Nutcracker (Bass Hall), December 12 – 27 – The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition for all ages. This classic story tells the tale of a young girl, Clara, who receives a Nutcracker and goes on a magical journey to discover the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets alongside her Nutcracker Prince. Ben Stevenson’s new production opened in 2012 to rave reviews, highlighting the talented dancers and famous music with bright costumes and magnificent sets. Bring the whole family and start a tradition of experiencing this fantastic performance every holiday season. On December 19, Texas Ballet Theater will put on The Nutty Nutcracker, a PG-13 spoof of The Nutcracker. The Nutty Nutcracker incorporates pop culture and current events to parody the story of the traditional holiday favorite. Set to the original score, this performance is not your typical Nutcracker.
Pictures With Santa
Hulen Mall: Located on the lower level center court. This year is a different treat – not only is Santa there but Mrs. Claus as well! This is HUGE for those with hesitant littles. Mrs. Claus really is a help! They will also be hosting a variety of other events with Santa, including pet photos, a pajama party, and a special event for baby’s first Christmas.
Ridgmar Mall: Located in the Kids Court. Pets are also welcome!
Fort Worth Stockyards: Saturday, December 6th only. The event is free and open to the public, and in addition to all the activities, there will be a Cowboy Santa!
Sundance Square: Head over to Sundance Square Plaza to get your photo with Santa. Pictures are available with a $10 cash donation {benefiting youth programs}. Parents are free to take photos with personal cameras.
Parks at Arlington: The Parks at Arlington and Dream Works Animation take guests on a never-before-seen, magical experience with Adventure to Santa. Join Shrek and his friends as they take you on an interactive journey to find Santa at the North Pole. Once your journey is complete, you’ll visit with Santa and pose for a keepsake photo of your unforgettable experience! This 15-minute adventure is must-do for the entire family and does not require waiting in line! Reserve your spot today.
Bass Pro Shop – Santa’s Wonderland: Take advantage of free crafts, games and activities, as well as a free 4×6 photo with Santa {larger packages available for purchase}.
Grapevine Sea Life Aquarium: A jolly, red-suited diver, beard and all, along with his elf are taking the plunge in a magical dive show amongst the fish, sharks and sea turtles in their 160,000-gallon ocean tank. Pose for pictures and find out whether Scuba Diving Santa thinks you’ve been naughty or nice. Scheduled dives occur at 11:30 a.m. on December 13, 14, 20 and 21.
North East Mall: Located in the center court near Macy’s and Starbucks, come visit Santa and get your picture made. Each child visiting Santa will receive a special goodie bag {while supplies last}.
Southlake Town Square: Nothing marks the holidays like pictures with Santa Claus. Kids of all ages can visit with the jolly fella in the big red suit at Santa’s Village in Rustin Park. Starting Sunday, November 24th, John and Deanna Ashley of Ashley Nostalgia Photography will be on hand to capture this cherished holiday tradition. While you’re there, be sure to drop off a letter to Santa at the Village Post Office. Don’t forget your return address. Santa himself will send a response!
Arlington Christkindl Market: Combine your holiday events, shopping, and Santa photos in one trip! Event features authentic German cuisine, beverages, entertainment, arts, crafts and holiday gifts. Admission and parking are FREE.
Cabela’s Fort Worth: Dec 6 &7, 13&14. Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause at your Fort Worth Cabela’s has become a tradition so be sure and mark your calendar and bring the family. You may use your own photo equipment and you will also receive 1 free photo with Santa and Mrs. Clause in a Cabela’s compliments of Cabela’s inside a commemorative holiday paper frame.
Breakfast with Santa
CampFire at El Tesoro, Saturday December 6 from 8-10am – Enjoy a free picture with Santa, holiday crafts, hayride caroling, archery games, and a hot breakfast ($8).
Cabela’s Fort Worth, December 6, 9-11am - Bring the family and a toy donation and enjoy a free pancake breakfast and meet Santa and Mrs. Clause for a free photo with Cabela’s commemorative holiday photo frame. All donations will benefit local families in need this holiday season!
Southlake Town Hall, Saturday, December 6th and 13th (various times). Santa’s coming! He’s making a special trip to Southlake to eat breakfast with you and your family! Make holiday crafts while enjoying tasty breakfast treats. Kids don’t forget your wish lists and parents don’t forget your cameras! Cost is $10.
Breakfast with St. NICUlas {Fort Worth Club}, Saturday, December 13 (8:30 – 11:30am) - Breakfast with St. NICUlas is an exciting and fun event for families during the holiday season. The Fort Worth Club will again be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a delicious breakfast, Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment, and a holiday surprise or two — all benefiting the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.
What events will your family be attending? Which Jolly Guy are you going to take your kids to tell their list to? Are there any events or Santas that we *GASP* didn’t get that should DEFINITELY be on our list?